East Beach ~ Barrier Beach

Land Use

What is the issue concerning the dunes?

The barrier beach is the land's first  natural line of defense.  Man's use of the beach often puts it at risk.  In order to reach the beach from the parking lot, visitors use a pathway cut through the dunes.  This purpose of the path is to restrict visitors from walking on other parts of the dunes. However, users often walk stray from the path.  This disturbs the plant life that stabilizes the dunes.  Constant use of the dunes kills plants and causes wind to transport sand particles away from the dunes.  Without the protection of the dune system, the area on the leeward side of the dunes would be hit hard by pounding waves and surf from storms and extremely high tides.